ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)

Patient Education Guide

Utah Aesthetic Surgery
Precision • Artistry • Confidence

OVERVIEW

Abdominoplasty (commonly called a tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of the abdomen by:

  • Removing excess skin and fat
  • Tightening the abdominal wall (rectus muscles)
  • Restoring a smoother, firmer abdominal profile

This procedure is especially beneficial after:

  • Pregnancy
  • Significant weight loss
  • Aging-related skin laxity

It is important to understand that abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure, but rather a body contouring surgery.

CANDIDACY

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
  • Have excess abdominal skin or laxity
  • Have muscle separation (diastasis recti)
  • Are in good general health
  • Do not smoke (or are willing to stop before/after surgery)
  • Have realistic expectations

Important considerations:

  • Future pregnancy may reverse results
  • Weight fluctuations can impact outcomes

SURGICAL OPTIONS

  1. Full Abdominoplasty
    • Incision from hip to hip (low, concealed in underwear line)
    • Tightening of abdominal muscles
    • Removal of excess skin above and below the navel
    • Repositioning of the belly button
  1. Mini Abdominoplasty
    • Smaller incision
    • Limited skin removal (below the navel)
    • Typically no umbilical repositioning
    • Less extensive muscle repair
  1. Extended Abdominoplasty
    • Addresses excess skin of the flanks/lateral waist
    • Longer incision extending toward the hips
  1. Abdominoplasty with Liposuction
    • Frequently combined for improved contour
    • Enhances waistline definition (360° contouring)
  1. Abdominoplasty with Breast enhancement procedure – “Mommy Makeover”

THE PROCEDURE

  • Performed under general anesthesia
  • Typical duration: 2–4 hours (varies by complexity)
  • Steps include:
    • Incision placement low on the abdomen
    • Elevation of skin and fat
    • Repair of abdominal wall (if indicated)
    • Removal of excess tissue
    • Redraping and closure with meticulous technique

PREOPERATIVE EDUCATION (KEY SAFETY PRINCIPLES)

Patients will receive comprehensive counseling consistent with modern plastic surgery standards:

  • Discussion of alternatives (non-surgical contouring, liposuction alone)
  • Realistic outcome expectations using photos and measurements
  • Risks reviewed in detail, including:
    • Bleeding, infection, delayed healing
    • Seroma (fluid collection)
    • Scarring
    • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) / pulmonary embolism
  • Smoking cessation is critical (nicotine increases complication risk)
  • Medication review (avoid blood thinners when appropriate)
  • Impact on future health:
    • No impairment of core function when properly performed
    • Pregnancy can affect results

RECOVERY

Immediate Recovery

  • Same-day discharge or overnight stay
  • Drains may be placed temporarily
  • Compression garment applied

First 1–2 Weeks

  • Limited activity
  • Slight forward posture initially
  • Return to light daily activity within 1–2 weeks

2–6 Weeks

  • Gradual return to normal activity
  • Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared

6+ Weeks

  • Resume full activity
  • Continued scar maturation

SCAR EXPECTATIONS

  • Low horizontal scar (designed to be hidden in underwear/swimwear)
  • Additional small scar around the navel (if full abdominoplasty)
  • Scars fade over time but are permanent

Scar quality is influenced by:

  • Genetics
  • Surgical technique
  • Postoperative care

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

While abdominoplasty is generally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, risks include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding or hematoma
  • Seroma
  • Poor wound healing or skin loss
  • Scarring (hypertrophic or widened)
  • Numbness or sensory changes
  • Asymmetry
  • Blood clots (rare but serious)

We take extensive precautions to minimize these risks, including:

  • Careful surgical planning
  • Sterile technique
  • Early ambulation
  • Compression and DVT prevention protocols

RESULTS

Patients can expect:

  • A flatter, firmer abdomen
  • Improved waistline contour
  • Correction of muscle separation
  • Better fit in clothing

Final results evolve over 3–6 months, with continued refinement up to one year.

LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE

To maintain your results:

  • Maintain a stable weight
  • Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine
  • Avoid significant weight fluctuations
  • Consider skin care and adjunct treatments if needed

COMMON QUESTIONS

Will I lose weight from this surgery?

No—this is a contouring procedure, not a weight-loss method.

Will my stretch marks go away?

Stretch marks in removed skin are eliminated; others may improve but remain.

Is muscle tightening safe?

Yes—restoring the abdominal wall improves core stability when properly performed.

How painful is recovery?

Most patients describe moderate discomfort that is well-controlled with modern pain management strategies.

OUR APPROACH

At Utah Aesthetic Surgery, abdominoplasty is performed with an emphasis on:

  • Natural, balanced contours
  • Thoughtful scar placement – “Bikini Tuck” Abdominoplasty
  • Structural integrity of the abdominal wall
  • Patient safety and meticulous technique

NEXT STEPS

A personalized consultation will include:

  • Physical examination
  • Discussion of goals
  • Procedure recommendations
  • Review of risks and recovery
  • Customized surgical plan

📞 Call (801) 810-0761 to schedule your consultation